Tolling in Evansville

Crossing the Ohio River between Evansville and Kentucky will cost money each time if the feds decide to toll people to pay for a new bridge for Interstate 69. About 200 people gathered for a public hearing on the two plans for the new Ohio River crossing, Monday.

The tone was not pleasant when tolling was discussed. Two plans were presented. One involves tolling both bridges. The other, tolling only the I-69 bridge, once it is built.

The federal government still hasn’t decided on which of the twin bridges will be closed before the new four-lane I-69 bridge is built. But, tolling one or both is a possibility that has angered people on both sides of the river. Monday’s hearing was in Henderson, Kentucky.

“Almost every person I know goes to and from Evansville for vital services, work and shopping,” said Kentucky state Rep. Robby Mills.

“There are a lot of community on fixed incomes. If you toll those two bridges if they stand, you’re gonna do harm,” said one resident on the Kentucky side.

The tolls could be similar to the tolls at the crossing in Louisville, which are $2 for a regular size car, if you have a pass, and $4 if you don’t.

“That’s not to say vthat’s what our toll rates will be. But, that gives you a ballpark,” said Midy Peterson, with I-69 ORX.

The federal government may consider discounts for some people who live in the area and would have trouble paying.